(September 2026)
Travelers visiting certain countries may need to complete additional digital entry and departure formalities, either through a government website or mobile application. These requirements may include an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which is typically obtained online prior to travel, and an Electronic Arrival Card (e-Arrival Card), which collects passenger and travel information before or during entry.
Entry requirements vary depending on the destination, nationality, and purpose of travel. Travelers should review the applicable government requirements well in advance and complete all required applications within the specified timeframe. In most cases, countries recommend completing these electronic processes 24–72 hours prior to arrival.
Travelers should also ensure that all passport information is entered accurately and matches the travel document exactly. Failure to complete the required documentation, or providing incomplete or inaccurate information, may result in processing delays or denial of entry.
Countries Requiring ETAs
The following countries currently require an ETA:
- Australia
- Belize
- Colombia
- Dominican Republic
- Egypt (Cairo only)
- Israel
- Kenya
- Mauritius
- New Zealand
- Philippines
- Seychelles
- United Kingdom
Please note: ETAs for Colombia and the Dominican Republic will be completed by the local ground handler. Therefore, Operators do not need to submit ETA applications on behalf of their crew or passengers.
Additionally, Egypt is running a pilot program with Cairo (HECA) as the only location requiring ETAs at this time. If all goes well during the pilot program phase, Egypt will likely add all of its international airports at the beginning of 2027. You can learn more about Egypt’s ETA process by reading an article from our previous Connections newsletter HERE.
Countries Requiring e-Arrival Cards
The following countries currently require an e-Arrival Card:
- Aruba
- Barbados
- Bermuda
- British Virgin Islands
- Brunei Darussalam
- Guyana
- Grenada
- India
- Indonesia
- Jamaica
- Malaysia
- Republic of Korea
- Singapore
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Suriname
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Vietnam
Some of the countries listed have more restrictions than others for obtaining an e-Arrival Card.
For example, India’s requirements are more complex than one may realize. To learn more about India’s unique digital entry system, read our related article HERE.
Staying Informed
Typically, there isn’t much lead time given when the ETA/e-Arrival Cards become mandatory. Often, mandatory requirements are announced within only a month’s notice, but many of them within weeks or less.
Clients can rest assured that FPI’s expertise will continue to provide the most current information regarding ETAs/e-Arrival Cards. Despite the inherent challenges that come with short-notice worldwide changes, two of FPI’s key departments play a critical role in watching for global digital changes.
First, Mike Stevens and the Special Services Network (SSN) are constantly receiving global regulatory changes and nuances in real-time from in-country experts.
“FPI’s preferred SSN and ground handling partners are truly the backbone of FPI,” states Mike, FPI’s Director of Vendor Management. “Their trusted partnerships are an invaluable resource for real-time information regarding new regulations happening in various regions.”
Second, Rick Snider and Jeffery Basham with the Compliance and Regulatory department are always keeping a finger on the pulse of the never-ending changes from across the globe.
“We’re here to do the heavy lifting and to shoulder the burden of the regulatory workload behind the scenes so that you’re informed, equipped, and confidently prepared to navigate trip complexities with ease,” states Rick Snider, Director of Contracts and Compliance. “Never hesitate to contact anyone from our team to ask questions, no matter how nuanced.”
Rick Snider, Jeffrey Basham, and Mike Stevens
The number of countries adopting digital platforms for ETAs and e-Arrival Cards continues to increase. Travelers and Operators should regularly review the latest entry requirements for each destination to ensure compliance prior to travel.
Please do not hesitate to contact FPI anytime for assistance with understanding digital requirements or navigating any procedural complexities for your upcoming destinations. FPI exists so that you can travel with the utmost ease across our incredible planet.
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To learn more about FPI, FPC, or regarding the Compliance, Operations, Regulatory, and other Special Services Network (SSN) teams, please contact our Operations staff here at Flight Pro International.
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